While the overall job market in South Africa may be experiencing a slight slowdown, certain sectors are thriving, with companies actively seeking skilled professionals.
Pnet's latest Job Market Trends Report reveals that while hiring activity increased by 1% between May and June 2024, it has seen a 9% year-on-year decrease compared to June 2023.
However, this doesn't mean there aren't opportunities out there. Several sectors are bucking the trend, demonstrating a continued demand for skilled workers.
"Stable and increasing recruitment activity shows confidence in the local economy and business growth," Pnet notes in its report.
The report highlights that several sectors saw increased hiring activity over the second quarter of 2024.
Architecture & Engineering saw a 9% year-on-year uplift in Q2, following a relatively slow first quarter.
The Finance sector, after experiencing four months of sluggish recruitment, saw a 1% increase in Q2. Manufacturing & Assembly also saw a positive bump, with a 6% increase in Q2.
"Sector-specific hiring activity trends can provide valuable insights into the local job market and the South African economy," Pnet adds.
So, what are the most in-demand jobs in South Africa? Here's a breakdown:
Top In-Demand Roles:
- Nursing / Professional Care Giving (Medical & Health): The healthcare sector continues to be a major source of job opportunities, with a strong demand for nurses and other care professionals.
- Vehicle & Mobile Equipment Installation / Repair (Maintenance & Repair): The demand for skilled technicians to maintain and repair vehicles and mobile equipment remains high.
- Credit Management (Finance): As the financial sector recovers, there's a growing need for professionals with expertise in credit management.
- Logistics Management (Warehousing & Logistics): The logistics industry is booming, leading to a high demand for skilled logistics managers.
- Financial Analysis (Finance): Financial analysts are in high demand, as companies seek to navigate the complex financial landscape.
Regional Hotspots:
- Western Cape: The Western Cape is a hub for job opportunities, with strong demand in Finance, Business and Management, IT, Admin, Office and Support roles. Despite a general downturn in demand for IT professionals, the Western Cape has seen a noticeable year-on-year increase in demand for professionals in Finance (+12%), Architecture & Engineering (+18%), and Building & Construction (+10%).
- Northern Cape: Business & Management, Architecture & Engineering, and Medical & Health remain in high demand in the Northern Cape. Despite a 6% year-on-year drop in demand, demand for Business & Management professionals in the Northern Cape remains relatively high.
- Free State: The Free State is seeing high demand for Business & Management, Finance, Admin, Office & Support, and Sales roles. Year-on-year, the Free State has seen an uptake in demand for Business & Management and Finance professionals.
Women Leading the Charge:
Pnet's report also sheds light on the changing landscape of gender roles in the workplace, particularly in traditionally male-dominated fields. The report highlights the significant increase in female jobseekers applying for roles that were once considered primarily male-dominated.
In the past three years, there has been a notable increase in female job applications for roles such as:
- Policing Support (+33% increase)
- Personal Security (+24% increase)
- Disaster / Recovery (+20% increase)
- Technical Product Specialist in Telecommunication (+19% increase)
- Chef / Cook (+17% increase)
Furthermore, significant increases in female job applications over male job applications since 2021 are seen in the following job categories:
- Equities, Bonds & Derivatives Management (+15% increase)
- Commodities / Financial Services Agent (+14% increase)
- Veterinarian (+12% increase)
- Power & Telecommunication Installation / Repair (+11% increase)
- TV / Video / Movie Operator (+11% increase)
Looking at current employee records, the gender balance has already shifted for Veterinarians and professionals in Disaster/Recovery, where under half of employed staff are female. However, Technical Product Specialists (Telecommunications) still have a long way to go, with female workers only holding one in four jobs.
"The uptake of women trying to get into unconventional careers is encouraging and will inspire upcoming generations of women to overcome gender barriers," Pnet notes.
"These trends highlight a positive shift towards gender equality in the workplace, reflecting women’s growing confidence and capability in fields once dominated by men."
The job market in South Africa is dynamic, with certain sectors experiencing growth while others face challenges. However, the demand for skilled professionals in areas like Nursing, Finance, and Engineering remains strong, and companies are actively hiring.
Moreover, the increasing number of women entering traditionally male-dominated fields signals a positive shift towards a more diverse and dynamic job market.
So, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, there are opportunities out there. Keep your skills sharp, stay informed about the latest trends, and seize the opportunities that come your way.
